XXX Meeting to discuss the Board's failure to renew the Rabbi's contract

I have no idea exactly why the Board of Trustees, by a close vote, decided not to renew Rabbi Tom's contract, but I suspect it had something to do with his political (i.e., Israel-Focused) views. If this is so, it is, in my view, not a legitimate basis by which to measure a rabbi's performance. There is more than enough reason for debate within the Jewish community both in the Diaspora and in Israel concerning the ability of the State of Israel to continue as a democratic Jewish state under the prevailing circumstances. Maybe I am naive but in my view a rabbi should be evaluated mainly on the basis of how he fulfills his principal role as a rabbi: to foster congregants' spirituality in a Jewish context. In this category, Tom Heyn unquestionably gets an A+, and this is why I asked my wife to join with me in becoming members of this Temple at the ripe old ages of 69 years old. Intra-temple politics is inevitable; it is, after all, an institution made up of human beings. But the long-term interests of any temple depend, at the core, on the abilities of the rabbi to help the congregants touch the divine spark. The rest will take care of itself if the Board and the staff and the Congregation and the Rabbi decide to support one another.

I oppose canceling the Rabbi's contract

I have already informed the Board of my views against canceling the Rabbi's contract.

I am in total support of Rabbi Tom. He is an asset to our community.

I would like to see Rabbi Tom Heyn stay.

9 years ago Featured

We fervently support renewal of Rabbi Tom Heyn's contract. The experience our son Robert had with Rabbi Tom in preparation for his Bar-mitzvah was an event we will remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. Please keep Rabbi Tom as the leader of Temple Israel's congregation.

I know that no rabbi is perfect for all the members, and that we, as a community, have had complaints from some members about each of our last few rabbis. And, of course, dissatisfied members always have the right to go find the right rabbi and congregation for themselves. But to think that ANY one person, without any additional clerical support, can fill all the spiritual, life cycle, educational, inspirational, social justice and community outreach needs of such a diverse community is ridiculous. If there are issues to be addressed, either about Rabbi Tom's relationship with the staff or Board, I'm reasonably sure they could be handled if addressed properly. Nobody is charismatic enough for everyone in all categories, but I am aware that most of the best programs that our rabbi has brought to us were not actively supported by our Board, with their presence. Those of us who attend regular services or educational programs are the ones who are most positively affected by Rabbi Tom, and therefore are the ones who should have been involved in decisions about retention. Every congregation has factions, and ours is no exception, but the people who attend most functions should be the ones most involved in these decisions.

Iam speechles and Sad Ive been Visiting the Temple for almost 3 years and I was shocked why will the Board let go such a amazing fabulous compassionate Rabbi Tom,,,,he is the reason most Members enjoy coming on Friday Evenings than Saturday Mornings and than the Torah Readings. Ive Lot of Friends I call Family at the Temple and they all Share the same as I do... Rabbi Tom brings in so much love and energy he Sings he plays just an Asset he is very very good Communicator and whenever he sees a new Visitor he always welcomes and talks to them. Ive no Clue who decides however they sure need to talk to the Members there are some coming as Far as Boca and South Miami . Rabbi Tom is very Knowledgeble and everyone I know is at easy aroud him.Ive Owned over 36 Restaurants with over 350 Employees and I know how Good Rabbi Tom is and looking as an Executive I will Never Never let him go ,,,,so please please we dont want to loose him Iam sure if we put our differences away we sure can find a way to resolve and keep him, Thankyou

9 years ago Featured

I am a long standing member of Joseph's Table and enjoy the insight and different approach the Rabbi utilizes. I appreciate his introduction of modern commentaries to the discussion. My family has enjoyed High Holidays conducted by Rabbi Heyn. He really is a good fit for an urban, historic congregation and is imbued with the Temple's social justice philosophy,

Although I am a relatively new member at TI, I think I can say on behalf of well over 60 fellow members that I love Rabbi Moshe Tom Heyn, and that he has contributed so much to our community that we cannot afford lose him. It's hard to imagine what was going on in the minds of the Board of "Trustees", when they made this decision. I will be there June 23rd to show my support.

I would be so pleased to have the Board reconsider its status of Rabbi Heyn in regard to renewing his contract. He brings warmth and enthusiasm to our congregation. I feel that his influence on our children will be a lasting one as they grow up, already prepared to be active participants in Reform Judaism.

I believe that the Rabbi's hard work, enthusiasm, and outreach to the community should be considered. I am totally opposed to the termination of his contract.

Robert Waterstone

I'm going to write more comments later, but right now only have time to agree that this matter should be a congregational one, not only a Board one to decide.

I totally disagree with the Board decision not to extend the Rabbi's contract and feel it is not in the best interest of Temple Israel.

I would like to add the Rabbi is not only exceptional with the children but with the community as a whole. He is a major contributing factor to our belonging to the Temple offering a wonderful balance to spirituality and religion!

I totally disagree with the Board on not renewing the Rabbi's contract.

Rabbi Tom has taken the Temple in a new and exciting direction .

Rabbi Tom is a caring and compassionate Rabbi. He is a true "mensch".

9 years ago Featured

I misunderstood this important turn of events. I thought that the decision to go was made by Rabbi Tom. I thought that he wanted/needed to pursue another path. The only way I would support his leaving is if "he" chose to go. I want Rabbi Tom to stay. Drew Werner